PPF concerned about rising GBV cases in SA

The Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF), which works with survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) has expressed concern over the rising prevalence of GBV cases in South Africa.

Crime Stats for the 1st quarter of 2021/2022 revealed that 10 006 people were raped between April and June 2021. This is an increase of 4 201 cases, amounting to a 72.4% increase, compared to the reporting period.

A sample of 5 439 rape cases revealed that 3 766 of the rape incidents took place at the home of the victim or the home of the rapist and 487 rape cases were domestic violence-related.

Free State PPF ambassador for gender-based violence and femicide, Mannehileng Letuka says they assist women with their cases.

“We would make sure that we assist our victims in terms of making sure they open the cases and to also make sure that we follow those cases. So that proper procedure are followed. So that is one of [the] assistance that we also offer,” says Letuka.

“Another one is to make sure that if the victim needs assistance in terms of the psychological help or we have to involve the social workers that is where we come in as the Progressive Professional Forum in the Free State,” Letuka says.

VIDEO: The Free State Department of Social Development is concerned about the shortage of shelters for victims of GBV in the province:

Drive to fight GBV

Last week, the Department of Social Development in the Eastern Cape embarked on an intensive drive using training programs to fight gender-based violence in the Eastern Cape.

The department set aside funds to promote and encourage women to be involved in the sewing industry in an attempt to create jobs and opportunities for them.

About 40 victims of gender-based violence received accredited certificates of training.

This after completing an intense sewing training at Dispatch outside Gqeberha.

VIDEO: SABC’s Zolani Moya report that the Department has also formed a partnership with a leading clothing retail outlet to empower women through business opportunities:

GBV | Government’s plan to eradicate gender-based violence: